Core Group Meeting Minutes, November 8, 2009

I. News From the farm

None

II. Meat Share

Dawn started off by suggesting we address two questions: Do we want a meat share? Can we do one? Discussion: Some members do not want to touch meat at all; Selecting a vendor; What to do with leftovers/excess; Are there packaging issues; Is seasonality an issue with meat; Are there different distribution methods(pickup/delivery?); is there a minimum # of shares required for profitability; What is the benefit; Does Garden of Eve have a stake in this and should we elicit an opinion from them? Can we move forward on this at this time? Wendy to contact GofE, attend Just Food workshop, and look into vendors.

III. Proposal for a Shellfish Share

Rebecca C. introduced a proposal for a Lobster/Shrimp/Shellfish share in association with a fisherman in Maine who could bring his catch to Brooklyn. She provided an overview, explaining who the fisherman is, the pluses of this idea including sustainability, and the possibility of other local CSAs getting onboard. (She provided a handout.) Issues discussed: What would be the logistics including signups, accounting, distribution, etc. ; parking of truck; packaging of fish; relationship with vendor; Can anyone commit to this project; Is slow growth of this CSA an issue here; Should we do a survey of interested members?

MOTION TO SEND OUT SURVEY TO MEMBERS ASKING IF THEY WOULD BE INTERESTED IN A SEAFOOD SHARE APROVED, 9 in favor, None opposed

IV. Inc. Committee Update: Bylaws

Vanessa distributed proposed bylaws and suggested members use Core group email to discuss after they have read through it. She reminded the group that this is an in-house document which is not filed with the state, and it is open to change and growth.

V. Coordinator Updates:

A. SIGN UPS:
Signups for 2010 for returning members will begin at next distribution. Discussion whether to raise administration fee.
MOTION TO RAISE ADMINISTRATION FEE TO $15, APPROVED, 9 in favor, None opposed

B. Distribution
None

C. Accounting
No report

D. Communications
Discussion of whether or not to send a year-end Survey, including fact that the Garden of Eve survey recently went out. Discussion included suggestion that we can use survey to encourage participation, and elicit info about members’ skills and how they can help GWCSA.
MOTION TO SEND OUT YEAR-END SURVEY, Approved, 4 in favor, 3 opposed)

E. IT/Website
No Report
Discussion: Noel spoke about inter-communication, and suggested that we explore the use of Twitter on our website to keep members informed. He is willing to help on this.

F. Events
Vanessa suggested Core meeting dates for 2010 (attached to Agenda)
Harvest Dinner: Ideas and discussion
VOTE: NOEL TO SPEND UP TO $20 FOR NAME TAGS FOR HARVEST DINNER.

G. Low Income
Kevin reported two LIs are very pleased.
Crates are piling up at Milton St.
MOTION TO ELECT EMILY P. LOW-INCOME COORDINATOR FOR 2010 SEASON, APPROVED, 8 in favor, opposed 0

NEXT MEETING: December 13, 2009; 4-6PM, Lutheran Church of the Messiah
Facilitator: tba
Minutes: Katie?
Snacks: ?

CORE MEETING THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13TH

It's that time again! We will be having another fun and eventful "Core Meeting" this Sunday, December 13th. Topics this month will include:

• We've been awarded a $1060 grant from Citizens Committee for New York City for our revolving loan fund. How should we advertise and utilize this for next season?
• We'll be discussing and/or approving our recently proposed bylaws
• We'll be talking about adding additional share items (meat, shellfish, other?)
• We'll be talking about how to best allocate our low income fund for the 2010 season

In addition to these topics, we'll have updates from all our coordinators on their specific responsibilities.

And by the way, we're still looking for coordinators for next season! There are currently several openings, including Wednesday workshift coordinator and Saturday workshift coordinator.

Anyone who's interested in becoming more involved with your CSA, or even if you just want to see the "inner workings" of the GWCSA for yourself, come by the Lutheran Church of the Messiah (129 Russell Street in Greenpoint) this Sunday: the meeting starts at 4pm and goes until 6.

And, as always, there will be snacks!